The Science Behind ASMR

What is ASMR?

The ASMR phenomenon is said to have originated back in 2010, when a woman by the name of Jennifer Allen coined the term in an ASMR Facebook group. However, it has gained even more momentum over the past couple of years, and is only growing.

The Wikipedia definition of ASMR is "Autonomous sensory meridian response, sometimes auto sensory meridian response, is a tingling sensation that typically begins on the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine."

Basically, its a tingling sensation result of a visual or auditory 'trigger'.

ASMR can be triggered by a variety of things, and for many people, it simply depends on the day. Some days you may be more triggered by inaudible whispering, others personal attention. A 2015 study regarding ASMR and suggested it can improve mood and even pain symptoms, but there isn't much scientific evidence to back it up.

Or is there?...

Researchers from the University of Sheffield's Department of Psychology performed an experiment in attempt to determine whether ASMR is a reliable and physiologically-rooted experience that ultimately benefits both physical and mental health of those who experience it.

According to a Science Daily article,"The study found that those who experience ASMR showed significantly greater reductions in their heart rates when watching ASMR videos compared to those who do not. They also showed significant increases in positive emotions including relaxation and feelings of social connection.

In another experiment, over 1,000 participants filled in an online survey after watching a selection of ASMR and control (non-ASMR) video clips, stating how frequently they experienced 'tingles' and their emotional response to each video. Those who experience ASMR were also asked also answered questions about their common ASMR triggers and general experiences of ASMR.

The study found that, compared to non-ASMR participants, those who experience ASMR reported more frequent tingling, increased levels of excitement and calmness, and decreased levels of stress and sadness. There were no significant differences between ASMR and on-ASMR participants in their affective responses to the control videos."

So, Is ASMR Real or 'Pseudoscience'?

There’s been some controversy regarding the science behind ASMR. Some people doubt whether this ASMR experience is “real,” or is the result of imagined sensations. For example, an AMSRtist may portray a motion of combing through your hair and add a sound effect, but they aren't actually combing your hair. Some have chalked the phenomenon up to a symptom of loneliness among the younger generations who rely on feeling a sense of friendship with someone without having to interact with real people. Some people are even actively put off by ASMR triggers.

Despite these speculations, there is seemingly obvious correlation between ASMR and the calming effects it has on its audience, scientifically proven or not. The ASMR community on YouTube has grown exponentially in the past few years, and not necessarily due to backlash. Viewers across the world join together to watch relaxing videos to calm them down or put them to sleep.

Just this one one ASMR video by ASMRDarling titled ASMR 10 Triggers to Help You Sleep has over 32 million views, and over 80,000 comments, some being:

"My eyes were getting heavy listening to this."

"The beginning of my ASMR addiction 😂"

"My addiction to ASMR started with this video. I LOVE ASMR ♥️"

With or without scientific proof to back it up, ASMR is groundbreaking in the field of relaxation. For the most part, its free, accommodatable to your personal triggers, and timeless. For the past decade people have turned to ASMR for relaxation, and no doubt that number will only grow in the next.